Black Corporation: Joseon [EN]: Chapter 872

The Chief of Staff’s statement landed like a checkmate in chess. The ministers, finding themselves without a countermove, could only swallow their discontent.

‘Tch! There’s no way out now.’

‘From now on, all we can do is try to mitigate the damage.’

‘The Emperor’s will is clear, and there’s no arguing with it. It’s a lost cause.’

‘It’s obvious he believes there are no unsolvable problems, and his mind is made up.’

‘The Emperor is one thing, but…’

The ministers hesitated to speak freely, partly because they felt trapped, and partly because Wan’s resolve was unwavering.

However, the most significant reason was the lingering influence of Hyang [Wan’s father, a previous emperor] visible in Wan’s decisions.

* * *

Most of those running the country alongside Wan—indeed, all of them—had served under Sejong [Hyang’s father, Wan’s grandfather] since the Empire was known as Joseon.

Therefore, the legacies of Sejong and Hyang were deeply ingrained in their minds.

To them, Sejong and Hyang represented insurmountable standards.

Wan was an excellent monarch, but not infallible. He occasionally needed the ministers’ counsel, allowing them to demonstrate their value.

However, Sejong and Hyang were different. To put it bluntly, they viewed ministers as replaceable extensions of themselves—eyes, ears, arms, and legs.

Despite this, many ministers served for decades during the reigns of Sejong and Hyang, for a simple reason.

Sejong and Hyang were reluctant to dismiss talented individuals, and these particular ministers were so skilled that their contributions are still celebrated today.

* * *

With Wan, or rather, Hyang’s influence, dictating the course, the ministers understood their role.

– Shut up and do as you’re told!

Consequently, the ministers glared at Shin Suk-ju with renewed resentment.

‘That’s right! He’s running his mouth again!’

‘That damn mouth of his!’

Finally, Hwangbo-in, representing the ministers, bowed to Wan.

‘Your Majesty’s plan is truly ingenious, and we will do our utmost to execute it.’

‘Thank you. Now! Let’s address Florence’s demands first.’

‘Yes, Your Majesty…’

Following Wan’s instructions, the ministers began discussing Florence’s requests.

‘First of all, ‘Station a high-ranking official of the Empire in Florence, someone with decision-making power on behalf of His Majesty the Emperor.’ Hmm…’

Wan, reading Florence’s first request, dismissed it as unremarkable.

‘This can be accomplished by establishing an embassy, so there’s no problem… Next is…’

Wan and the ministers proceeded to determine which of Florence’s requests to accept and which to reject.

Their criteria were straightforward.

-Withhold financial support until Florence’s preparations are well underway or until they face imminent collapse.

Why should they deplete their resources to support Florence, a famously wealthy city in Europe?

-Offer manpower to Florence, but exclude skilled technicians.

-Explore the possibility of securing a permanent military base in Italy, depending on the circumstances.

* * *

As Wan and the ministers finalized their decisions, Shin Suk-ju and Giovanni continued their intense negotiations.

‘The Empire cannot accept that request.’

‘However, for the sake of maintaining amicable relations between our nations, you must grant it.’

‘The Empire is not a charity.’

‘To ensure the success of Florence’s ambitious project…’

‘That project’s success would be beneficial, but the Empire shouldn’t bear an undue burden.’

Amidst the heated exchange, Giovanni silently cursed Shin Suk-ju.

‘What’s gotten into this guy? Why is he being so difficult?’

However, Shin Suk-ju felt he had no choice but to stand firm.

‘I can’t back down now! No more mistakes! I have to secure more concessions than His Majesty and the other ministers expect, to redeem myself!’

Having already incurred Wan’s displeasure twice, Shin Suk-ju was determined to succeed in this negotiation.

Ultimately, Giovanni, unable to endure Shin Suk-ju’s stubbornness, leaped from his seat.

‘Ugh! Negotiation requires compromise from both sides! How can it be so one-sided! This is unacceptable! I demand to meet the Emperor himself!’

‘Hey!’

Shin Suk-ju, flustered, rose to stop Giovanni, but Giovanni stormed out of the negotiation room and headed for Gyeongbok Palace [the main royal palace of the Joseon dynasty].

* * *

‘Your Majesty, the envoy from Florence is causing a disturbance at the entrance of Gyeongbok Palace,’ Seo Geo-jeong reported. Wan, who was reviewing documents, looked up, puzzled.

‘The Florentine envoy is causing a disturbance? Why?’

‘He insists on seeing Your Majesty and is creating a commotion.’

‘If he wishes to see me, instruct him to apply through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and follow the proper procedure.’

‘It seems there’s an issue with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs itself.’

‘With the Ministry of Foreign Affairs? Hmm…’

‘According to the reports, the negotiation is contentious…’

‘Hoo~.’

Wan sighed, understanding the situation, and asked Seo Geo-jeong.

‘Is Shin Suk-ju the cause of this?’

‘…It appears so.’

‘Hoo~.’

Wan sighed again and instructed Seo Geo-jeong.

‘Go and bring the envoy from Florence. As an envoy, we must treat him with due respect.’

‘I will obey your command.’

Seo Geo-jeong bowed to Wan, left the main hall, and headed towards Gwanghwamun [the main gate of Gyeongbok Palace].

As he walked, Seo Geo-jeong cursed Shin Suk-ju under his breath.

‘Damn mung bean sprout old man! Why does he always cause trouble! They say he’s competent! How can someone so competent always mess things up! Did he eat rotten mung bean sprouts!’

The subordinate officials following him tried to quiet him.

‘Shh! Seungji Old Master! There are ears everywhere!’

But Seo Geo-jeong raised his voice even louder.

‘Why? Did I say anything wrong? The envoy overturned the negotiating table and is demanding to speak directly to His Majesty, drawing a crowd of onlookers from Seoul! If that’s not a national disgrace, what is! And even His Majesty is yo…’

Seo Geo-jeong barely stopped himself from mentioning Wan’s name as he continued to berate Shin Suk-ju.

‘Ugh! Damn mung bean sprout old man!’

It was common knowledge throughout the Empire, both on the mainland and in Shinji [possibly a reference to a remote or less civilized area], that Shin Suk-ju had a fondness for mung bean sprouts.

He was so fond of them that he even brought mung beans to Shinji and grew his own sprouts.

This anecdote led to mung bean sprouts being nicknamed ‘Sukju sprouts’ by many.

However, there was another reason for Seo Geo-jeong’s frustration.

‘Listen, Doseungji [a high-ranking official title]! What happened was…’

He had to endure Giovanni’s complaints all the way back to Geunjeongjeon [the throne hall in Gyeongbok Palace].

As a famously talkative Italian, Giovanni unleashed a torrent of words like a waterfall or a raging river.

After listening for a while, it became difficult to distinguish whether one was hearing words or simply being swept away by the verbal deluge.

* * *

‘I have brought the envoy from Florence,’ Seo Geo-jeong announced, looking pale and dazed. Wan responded with a sympathetic expression.

‘You’ve worked hard.’

‘No, I haven’t.’

Seo Geo-jeong stepped back, and Wan turned to Giovanni, who bowed politely.

‘Giovanni di Cosimo de Medici, the envoy from Florence, greets the Emperor of the Empire.’

‘It’s been a while. So, what is the reason for causing such a commotion to see me?’

‘That is…’

As Giovanni began to speak, Wan quickly raised his hand to stop him.

‘If your explanation is lengthy, I will have you escorted out immediately. Keep that in mind. Be as concise as possible. Didn’t your ancestor Cato [likely referring to Cato the Elder, known for his brevity] advise you to be brief?’

‘…I will keep that in mind.’

‘He even knows Cato! What kind of emperors does this empire have!’

Giovanni, regaining his composure, reported the issue to Wan.

‘…Even in negotiations between a great power and a smaller nation, there must be some give and take. However, in these negotiations, the Empire seems intent on only taking, without offering anything in return. Your Majesty! Considering the long-standing good relations between the Empire and Florence, this is excessive!’

‘That’s true…’

Wan replied with a wry smile.

‘It seems the Minister of Foreign Affairs has overstepped, focusing too much on my interests and those of the Empire. As the envoy pointed out, Florence and our Empire have enjoyed good relations for quite some time. It’s unwise to prioritize our interests so heavily with such friendly neighbors. Yes, it seems the Minister of Foreign Affairs was overly zealous. I will address this with him, and ensure it doesn’t happen again. I regret this situation.’

Giovanni bowed deeply.

‘I am deeply grateful for Your Majesty’s understanding!’

‘Negotiate well.’

‘I will do my best!’

Giovanni, having achieved his goal, bowed again and left the main hall. Wan watched Giovanni’s cheerful departure and then turned to the ministers.

‘Now, then… Let’s select someone to remain in Florence and safeguard the Empire’s interests. Minister of Foreign Affairs.’

Shin Suk-ju bowed quickly at Wan’s summons.

‘Yes, Your Majesty!’

‘I understand the Minister is fluent in Italian and Latin.’

‘Ah, no. I only have a basic knowledge. I only know a little of the Tuscan dialect of Italian.’

‘Florence is in Tuscany. Excellent. The Minister of Foreign Affairs shall go to Florence. The Empire’s interests are at stake, so you must go.’

‘I will obey your command.’

Shin Suk-ju bowed, his face crestfallen. To onlookers, this appeared to be a demotion.

‘Exercising full authority on behalf of the Emperor in Florence.’

On the surface, it was a position of considerable power. However, in reality, it was not.

There were three ambassadors stationed in Florence, all of equal rank, operating under a majority-vote system.